Another ex-councillor today threw her hat into the election ring and declared that she was considering standing as Castle Point's MP - for the Hell's Grannies Party.

Audrey Gibbs, made the shock revelation after former member Nik Searle yesterday (Tuesday) said he was preparing to challenge the parliamentary seat held by Labour's Christine Butler.

The 65-year-old grandmother, announced her intentions to stand as an independent candidate after reading about Mr Searle, declaring "if he can do it so can I".

Mrs Gibbs, former Labour councillor for Benfleet's St George's ward, stepped down from Castle Point Council in May, 1999 after her husband Ron's heart attack.

However, the challenger said she felt ready to step back into the limelight.

She said: "I nearly choked when I saw the news about Nik Searle in the Evening Echo so I thought I would seriously consider standing against him.

"I would represent the Hell's Grannies Party and give him a run for his money."

Among her policies, Mrs Gibbs said she would aim to protect the green belt, promote health and safety in the community and keep wardens in sheltered accommodation.

She also vowed to try to tighten guidelines on councillors declaring interests in political matters.

Mrs Gibbs of Waverley Road, Benfleet, said: "I think I could beat Mr Searle."

Converted for the new archive on 19 November 2001. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.